July 7, 2017
Hemmed In
Lisa Morrone, PT
Today’s Truth
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me (Psalms 139:5, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Have you ever tugged firmly on a thread hanging from the edge of your garment, in hopes of breaking it, only to have it unravel further? Yeah, me, too.
Life can, at times, behave like that garment. What we thought was held together securely can unexpectedly begin to unravel. Sometimes the unraveling happens suddenly—a late night phone call, an unwanted discovery, a disappointing lab test result—or it can happen gradually over time, like the slow fade of a dear friendship or the foundation of your marriage.
While our external circumstances can unravel, would you agree that it is most disturbing when it feels as if WE are unraveling? In those times, not only do we doubt our capacity to handle what’s going on in our lives, due to our “frayed state,” but we seriously wonder if there will be anything left of us once the “entire thread of our sound mind has been pulled loose.”
In my book, Overcoming Overeating, I offer a journal-based navigation tool designed to help readers identify, process through, and heal from the emotions which keep them locked in the chains of food addiction. On a number of occasions I have heard from honest readers who admit to me that they are fearful to embark on this reflective, memory journey. One reader said it like this: “I am afraid that if I start crying, I will never stop.”
The first time I heard this persuasive lie—sent straight from the Enemy, I felt compelled to counter with the Truth.
Our main scripture today tells us the LORD has us hemmed in—behind and before. The purpose of the hemlines in our clothing is to keep the fabric from unraveling. Such is the promise of GOD’s careful “stitch work:” His unwavering presence in our lives keeps US from unraveling!
If you are being fed a similar lie—that you won’t be able to hold it all together, that you’re sure to lose your mind, break down, crumble—allow me to feed you some nourishing truth directly from Scripture.
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (NKJV)
You were outfitted with a sound mind…and no one, and no circumstance, no matter how trying, can take away what God has gifted you.
Psalms 62:2 “He alone is my protector and deliverer.
He is my refuge; I will not be upended.” (NET)
You may be “knocked into” and some of your emotional strength may be “spilled,” but you will never be completely upended (turned over and drained).
Isaiah 33:6a “He is your constant source of stability…” (NET)
You can stand firm, because He holds you firmly.
Friend, you are stronger than you think, because He is stronger than you know. And unlike the thread in your skirt that occasional breaks and unwinds, God’s hems hold fast forever!
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, thank you that you not only knit us together in our beginning, but that you have also promised to hold “our stitching” together ‘til the end. You are strong and mighty. Let us never forget that you go before us and you are our rear guard, too. We commit our fragile selves to you.
In the steadfast Name of Jesus Christ we pray,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn: Give yourself a history lesson. Review in your mind the times when you felt the hand of the Lord holding you firmly, even though your world was rocking. Denounce the lies of the Evil One who would try to convince you that you are poised to unravel. In faith, claim that same stability of mind, body, and soul for today’s trial.
More from the Girlfriends
Overcoming Headaches and Migraines (Harvest House Publishers) is one of Lisa’s six books in her Restoring Your Temple® health resource collection. Her books are available on Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com,or wherever books are sold.
Lisa Morrone, PT is a physical therapist, professor, author of six books, radio guest and event speaker who encourages people to “Get Healthy for Heaven’s Sake.” Visit Lisa’s website for more information and to sign up to receive her informative “Monday Morning Health Tips!”
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